CEFET-RJ students to take part in Olympics in Japan

Six students from CEFET-RJ (Celso Suckow da Fonseca Federal Center for Technological Education) are leaving in July for Tokyo, Japan, where they will represent Brazil at the 14th World Mathematics Invitational (WMI), one of the main international mathematics competitions for young talent. The event will take place between July 10 and 14 and brings together students from 38 countries.

The invitation to the competition was made by the POC Network (Knowledge Olympiad Program Network), responsible for organizing the International Mathematical Olympiad without Borders (OIMSF) in Brazil, after the CEFET/RJ students stood out in the 2025 edition of the competition. On that occasion, the group won two silver medals, one at regional level and the other at national level.

The Brazilian delegation is made up of Fernanda Antunes, Hirlan Vilela and Victor do Amaral, from the Computer Science technical course; Guilherme Guimarães and Kailan Almeida, from Electrotechnics; and Ana Carolina Solidade, from Buildings. The students are part of the “Mamonas Pitagóricas” team, coordinated by teacher Paulo Cesar Sampaio Junior.

“Taking part in this international event, in one of the world’s leading capitals, would be extremely important not only for the students, but also for Cefet/RJ. An event of this size puts the institution on the map of the biggest and best in the country, as well as highlighting the teaching of mathematics and its role in shaping a society capable of competing in the field of science and technology,” he said.

In addition to the intense academic preparation, the students are also looking forward to an unprecedented international experience. WMI promotes the meeting of young talents from different parts of the world and encourages cultural and scientific exchange through mathematics.

“My main expectation is to be able to represent Brazil in the best possible way. To have a good experience in Japan, which is unique and different. Look where mathematics has taken us,” says Fernanda Nobre.

Kailan Almeida, who chaired the team during its participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad without Borders, highlights the significance of the achievement. “I’ve always loved math, ever since I was a child, and I never imagined that this dedication would give me the opportunity to go so far,” says the student, who dreams of getting to know another culture and representing Cefet/RJ in an international competition.

Ana Carolina Solidade also sees the opportunity as a milestone in her academic career. “I hope we can go and win the gold medal, but just the opportunity to be together in this challenge would already be an incredible experience,” she says.

Despite qualifying for the competition, the delegation is still looking for financial support to make the trip to Japan possible. It is estimated that around R$250,000 will be needed to cover airfare, accommodation, meals and participation in the event. Donations can be made through collection campaign organized by the team.